Staff

President & CEO

Karen joined JPA in 2014. Karen earned her MBA from the Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree from Hamilton College. Prior to joining JPA, Karen served as the President and CEO of The Hope Institute for Children and Families, serving children with autism and developmental delays across Illinois. At Hope, Karen worked closely with the Board on governance and growth initiatives, resulting in the creation of The Hope Family Centers to better serve parents as they navigated systems of support for their children, including the introduction of a parent-to-parent mentoring program.
From 2004 to March 2013, Karen served as President of Chicago Scholars, a college to career program reaching hundreds of high-potential students from low-income communities. I transformed the organization from providing small one-time scholarships to a comprehensive multi-year college-to-career program. Prior to that, she was an Executive Vice President and head of global marketing at CNA Insurance Companies.

Executive Vice President

Stephen Budde, PhD, LCSW, is the Executive Vice President of the Juvenile Protective Association (JPA), and a Visiting Scholar at the University of North Carolina School of Social Work. Dr. Budde has over 35 years of experience in child welfare and mental health as a researcher, teacher, administrator, trainer, consultant, and therapist. He has led or participated in numerous publicly and privately funded implementation and outcomes evaluations and studies at JPA and previously as Senior Researcher and Assistant Professor at Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago. Dr. Budde taught clinical research and decision making at the University of Chicago for over 15 years. Among other current projects, he is a Principal Investigator for evaluations of three therapeutic parenting programs for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Family First Prevention Services initiative; and Principal Investigator of the implementation evaluation for the Early Childhood Court Team project in which DCFS partners with the juvenile court to improve permanency outcomes for young children in foster care. Dr. Budde has provided consultation or conducted evaluations, studies, or continuous quality improvement projects for the Illinois Children’s Justice Task Force (a Citizen Review Panel), the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center, Children’s Advocacy Centers of Illinois and other child welfare organizations, mental health providers, and philanthropic foundations. Dr. Budde has served on multiple advisory committees for DCFS as well as the Scholarly Oversight Committee for a Fellow in Child Abuse Pediatrics at the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. He was recently appointed to the Evaluation Subcommittee for the statewide Healing-Centered Illinois Task Force (HCITF) as outlined in Senate Bill 646, now Public Act 103-0545. The HCITF is run by the office of Illinois Lieutenant Governor Julianna Stratton.

Director, New Light

Sally joined JPA in August 2023. Sally graduated from Loyola University of Chicago and is a licensed clinical social worker and an adjunct professor at the Erikson Institute.

Sally has extensive experience treating infants, children, adolescents, and families, as well as providing clinical consultation, training, and supervision. Sally had the privilege of learning Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) from one of the model creators, Patricia Van Horn, and is a rostered CPP clinician and supervisor.

Before joining JPA, Sally spent almost 20 years with JCFS Chicago where she learned about the power every person has within themselves and how a therapist can help that power become known and rise to the surface to be a source of energy for the changes we each long for.

In her free time, Sally enjoys reading, practicing yoga, and spending time with her animals.

Senior Director of Policy & Community Impact

Susannah joined JPA in 2022. Susannah earned her bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University and her master’s degree in public policy from The University of Chicago. Prior to joining JPA, Susannah spent almost 20 with BPI, a public interest law and policy center in Chicago working to combat systemic barriers to equity and fighting for racial, economic, and social justice. At BPI, Susannah served as the Director of Education and Early Learning and led the Altgeld Riverdale Early Learning Initiative, a community-driven effort to develop a comprehensive system of support for children and their families in this far southeast side community.
At JPA, Susannah is responsible for managing clinical operations and building & maintaining our school and community partnerships. In her free time, Susannah enjoys cooking, baking, and traveling.
Susannah is “All in for Kids” because: “I have spent my career working to eliminate systemic barriers to equity and promoting racial, economic, and social justice. Access to high-quality mental health services for children in under-served communities, particularly as we move out of the pandemic, is critical to closing the opportunity gap. Kids need this support more than ever.”

Director of Finance

Katina joined JPA in August of 2022. Katina graduated with a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Concordia University and a Master of Business Administration in October 2020. Prior to joining JPA, Katina worked as Finance accountant at Jewish Community of Chicago for over five years.
At JPA, Katina is in charge of financial reporting, payroll, and assisting with various HR tasks. In her free time, Katina enjoys planning parties, and being around other people.
Katina is “All in for Kids” because” I am very passionate about the mission and vision of JPA and want to be a part of an organization that makes a difference in impacting our youth.”

Chief Development Officer

Dana joined JPA in December 2019. Dana earned her BA in biology from Lake Forest College and has over 15 years of experience leading development teams, creating fundraising strategies, and soliciting, engaging and stewarding foundation partners, major donors, and corporate supporters. At JPA, Dana is responsible for driving JPA’s philanthropic revenue growth through management of all fundraising and marketing activities.
Prior to her work at JPA, Dana served as the Director of Development for After School Matters where she managed a team of six development professionals who raised over $12M annually from corporations, foundations and individual donors. Dana has also worked as the Director, Corporate & Marketing Partnerships for JDRF Illinois where she spent two years escalating the presence of JDRF as the leader in type 1 diabetes research while raising over $2.5M toward these efforts from corporate partners. From 2007-2016, Dana wore many hats during her time at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce with her final role being Executive Director, Development. In this position, she was responsible for the creation and oversight of the organization’s fundraising strategy, managing the activities of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, and producing all Chamber events.

Dana is “All in for Kids” because “I believe that every child deserves access to the support, tools, and resources necessary to succeed. Investing in the health and well-being of today’s youth will lead to a stronger, more compassionate society in the future.”

Clinical Director of School-Based Services

Erin joined JPA in 2014. She currently serves as the Clinical Directo of School Based- Services, leading JPA’s Therapists & Mental Health consultants. In addition, she provides consultation to school administrators. Erin’s previous roles include working as a home-based and school-based therapist, a C2K mental health consultant, and directing JPA’s former High School Transition program, 9th Gear. Before joining JPA, she was a bilingual child, adolescent, and adult psychotherapist at a community mental health center in Chicago.

Erin earned her BA in Women’s Studies and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2007, including studying at the University of Seville in Spain during her junior year. She later earned her MSW from Loyola University Chicago in 2013. Her specialties include child and adolescent development, trauma, women’s issues, parenting and caregiver support, and play therapy.

School Based Therapist

Elizabeth joined JPA in September 2019. Elizabeth holds Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Dayton (2008), a Master of Arts in child development from Erikson Institute (2015) & a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Loyola University Chicago (2016). Prior to joining JPA, Elizabeth worked as a foster care clinician, a member of the Peace Corps in the Philippines, and a teacher’s assistant at a therapeutic school.
At JPA, Elizabeth’s duties include Individual therapy for children aged 4-15 in a school-based setting, and collaborating with teachers, staff, and caregivers. In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys being outside on walks with family & friends and loves to swim.
Elizabeth is “All in for Kids” because: “I am so passionate about working with children and families. I believe in the power of positive relationships and connections in helping people heal and grow. In my work with JPA, I have gotten to work with children and families who have experienced multiple injustices and who are often in states of active trauma and chronic stress. I believe that being a person to help them feel safe, understood, and cared for is a way to help them process their experiences and identify their strengths & needs.”

New Light & School Based Therapist

Marilyn joined JPA in July 2021. Marilyn graduated with a a Bachelor of Arts from Knox College in 2027, and a master’s degree in social work from Erikson Institute in 2022. Prior to JPA, Marilyn’s experience includes an internship with Circle and Ciphers, Volunteering with AmeriCorps & City Year Chicago as a mentor and tutor in a CPS school, and an internship with Erikson Center for Children and Families.

At JPA, Marilyn provides individual and group therapy sessions in our partner schools, and sees clients through our New Light clinic. Marilyn has a cat named Corazon, and in her free time enjoys biking, dancing, traveling, music, and spending time with family and friends.

Marilyn is “All in for Kids” because: “I believe that all children regardless of race, class, or sexual orientation should have access to mental health services such as therapy.”

Director of Marketing & Events

Jenni joined JPA in August of 2021. Jenni graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 20215 and a master’s degree in Recreation & Sport Management from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2017. Prior to joining JPA, Jenni worked in Development and Alumni relations for UIUC’s Division of Intercollegiate Athletics and was the Senior Events Manager at the Les Turner ALS Foundation.

At JPA, Jenni’s duties include execution of our fundraising events, social media, website, and communications, and serving as the liaison to JPA’s Associate & Junior Boards. In her free time, Jenni enjoys traveling, checking out a new brewery, and taking her dogs Beau & Chongo on outdoor adventures.

Jenni is “All in for Kids” because: “I believe that everyone should have adequate access to mental health services.”

Business Operations Manager

Terri joined JPA in May 2021. She holds a bachelor’s degree in teaching from Winona State University (2008). Prior to joining JPA, she was the Director of Operations at Teach for America.

At JPA, Terri manages Medicaid billing and compliance, vendor relationships, and the compliance of data submission. Terri has a Bernadoodle puppy named Rocky, and in her free time she enjoys reading, watching new television shows, and spending time at the beach.
Terri is “All in for Kids” because: “I’ve spent my entire professional career at non-profits that are dedicated to serving students in under-resourced communities. I’m driven by service to others, with a passion for increasing access to vital mental health services.”

Data Analyst and Quality Improvement Specialist

Christy joined the JPA team in December 2022. Christy holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Development and Education from the University of Central Florida (2013), a Master of Human and Community Development from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2016) and a Master of Social Work from the Erikson Institute (2019). Prior to joining JPA, Christy worked at the Erikson Institute as a Research Associate on several projects, one of which was a project that evaluated the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS) Early Childhood Project, a collaboration with IDCFS that offers support to child welfare professionals and links families and children to needed services. Christy also worked at Erikson as an Academic Tutor for Social Work students, and Facilitator for the Calm Classroom Project, a mindfulness based social and emotional learning program for kindergarten-2nd grade. At JPA, Christy is part of the Child Welfare consulting team. She provides evaluation, project management, and quality improvement support to various teams within the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS) and to the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center. In her free time, Christy enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, attending concerts, and visiting friends and family. 

Christy is “All in for Kids” because: “I recognized early on in my experience working with children that the presence of an empathic, caring, and attuned adult can make a significant impact on the well-being and trajectory of children and families. Every child and family should have access to the resources and individuals necessary to support their holistic well-being and ability to thrive. I will never forget the adults in my life who offered support and helped me feel seen, heard, and valued. I feel honored and grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had in my career to be that person for children and the adults who surround them.”

School Based Therapist

Ronny joined JPA as an intern in August 2022 and took her current position in June 2023. Ronny graduated with a master’s degree in social work from Loyola University in 2023. Prior to joining JPA, Ronny worked as a counselor to individuals experiencing behavioral health issues as well as a family advocate to individuals experiencing domestic violence.

At JPA, Ronny provides individual and group therapy to students and collaborating connect with the students’ caregivers and teachers to holistically support each student. In her free time, Ronny enjoys spending time with friends and family, hiking, and going to the beach.

Ronny is “All in for Kids” because: “I am passionate about being the support and space our students in underserved communities need to identify, process, and manage the many challenges they may have faced that affect their mental well-being.”

School Based Therapist

Paris joined JPA in September 2023. Paris graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2005 and a Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, in 2022. Prior to joining JPA, Paris worked in child welfare for 5 years and in healthcare as an Emergency Medical Technician in a behavioral health facility that provided non-medical detox services to individual seeking detoxification from drugs and/or alcohol.

At JPA, Paris provides individual and group therapy services to elementary school students utilizing a combination of play and/or talk therapy, to help them process their experiences, thoughts and feelings regarding trauma. In her free time, Paris enjoys traveling and crafting.

Paris is “All in for Kids” because: “I strongly believe kids need a strong support system and that system is not exclusive to their home environment. I also believe that trauma does not have to define you and that by providing a safe space for kids to share their experiences and feelings, they can begin to heal. It is my goal to help individuals who have experienced adverse life experiences find their balance, because healing isn’t linear.”

Mental Health Consultant

Kim joined JPA in January 2022. She graduated from Erikson Institute with a master’s degree in child development in 2015 and a Master of Social Work in 2018. Prior to joining JPA, Kim was an Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant in South Suburban Cook County, and an early interventionalist with Illinois’ Early Intervention Program. Additionally, Kim was a school-based therapy intern at JPA in 2017 while in graduate school.
At JPA, Kim is responsible for providing school-based mental health consultations. In her free time, Kim enjoys arts and crafts, interior design, and shopping.
Kim is “All in for Kids” because: “Supporting children, their families and school staff using a comprehensive developmental, diversity, equity, inclusion and trauma-informed lens is an asset that will remain evident in my professional practices; as they have for my many years of dedicated work in teaching, providing therapeutic services and mental health consultation to improve developmental outcomes in young children, empower families and support educators to bolster their child’s or student’s progress.”

New Light & School Based Therapist

Meredith joined JPA in September 2019. Meredith graduated from Lawrence University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology (2012) and Erikson Institute with a Master of Social Work (2017). Prior to joining JPA, Meredith worked for Family Service of Lake County in their outpatient counseling program and at Jewish Child and Family Services providing support to adolescents that experienced trauma including abuse and neglect.
At JPA, Meredith provides individual and family therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. In her free time, Meredith enjoys spending time with friends and family, running, and spending time outdoors.
Meredith is “All in for Kids” because: “I have felt passionate about working with children since I was an adolescent and have been working with them ever since. I, not only genuinely enjoy spending time with and supporting children, but I also feel that it is a crucial and vulnerable stage in life where a consistent, caring, empathetic adult can greatly impact the trajectory of their lives.”

Clinical Internship Program Manager

Jillian Howard, Clinical Internship Program Manager, joined JPA in 2022.  Jillian is a licensed social worker and earned her master’s degree from Loyola University. Jillian brings with her over a decade of experience working in the Chicago Public School system. With a passion for improving mental health services, she is dedicated to contributing to the growth and development of mental health support in black and brown communities in Chicago.

Grants Manager

Allison joined JPA in July 2023. Allison graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education and public administration from Roosevelt University in 2005. Her duties at JPA include grant writing and management of our donor database. Allison has over 20 years of non-profit experience working with marginalized populations, helping to strengthen families, and enabling children to access high-quality early childhood education and afterschool programs. She has worked directly with children and families as a teacher, and as a development professional raising the funds necessary for organizations to carry out their missions.
At JPA, Allison oversees grant writing and reporting, and manages our donor database. In her free time, Allison enjoys playing yard and board games, trying new restaurants, and traveling.
Allison is “All in for Kids” because: “It has always been important to me to align my career with organizations that are making a positive impact for children and families. When I learned of JPA’s history and programs, I was inspired to see how I can be a part of this work. I am thrilled to have joined the Development team to help JPA continue its impact.”

Mental Health Consultant

Shenicka joined JPA in February 2022. Shenicka attended Case Western Reserve University and received a master’s in social administration in 2011. Prior to joining JPA, Shenicka was a School-Based Counselor, After School Program site manager, tutor, and Youth Connections Coordinator.
Shenicka’s duties at JPA include collaborating with teachers around responsive relational strategies for students, and consultation, observation, and facilitation of SEL and psychoeducational classroom groups. In her free time, Shenicka enjoys resting, meditation, journaling, live music, and brunch with friends.

Shenicka is “All in for Kids” because: “I was “a vulnerable child” growing up in the inner city of Toledo, Ohio who went to public schools, and therapy in schools was non-existent. Working through my traumas with a counselor, helped me to see how important the work that JPA does is. It is the social and emotional well-being and functioning of vulnerable children TODAY! so they can reach their fullest potential at home, in school, and in our communities much sooner than I did.”

School Based Therapist

Nicole joined JPA as an intern in August 2022, and took her current role in June 2023. Nicole graduated with a master’s degree in social work from the University of Chicago in 2023.

At JPA, Nicole provides individual and group therapy to students and caregiver consultation to inform therapeutic work and influence care outside of the therapy room. In her free time, Nicole enjoys salsa dancing, hot yoga, biking on the lakefront path, reading fiction, journaling, and going to the beach.

Nicole is “All in for Kids” because: “We hold incredibly powerful narratives within us to understand ourselves and make sense of the world. I feel immense gratitude to be a part of a young person’s meaning-making process as they work with different storylines to construct a clearer picture of themselves. My hope is for young people and the people around them to see themselves for who they truly are at their highest self.”

New Light Clinician

Catherine joined JPA in 2024. She believes that as creatures of habit, people sometimes find it challenging to access the space and resources they need in order to affect change. Catherine is passionate about working with adults and adolescents to support them in achieving increased balance and happiness within the orbits of life: work, romance, joy, and family.
Catherine is experienced in working with adolescents and adults impacted by substance abuse, trauma, depression, and anxiety. She is certified in EMDR and has experience working with the LGBTQIA2S+ community.

Catherine believes that the work done in therapy can reconnect individuals with their true selves, their goals, and with a renewed excitement for the future.

Administrative Assistant

Marilyn joined JPA in February 2005. Prior to joining JPA, Marilyn worked for an insurance company in their library department. At JPA, Marilyn’s has many administrative duties including emails, sorting mail, filing, answering the phone, and greeting guests and visitors at JPA’s office.

Marilyn is “All in for Kids” because: “Kids need love, attention and all the help they can get to understand issues in life and help prepare them for the future.”

Accounting Specialist

Shane joined JPA in October of 2023. Shane graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Indianapolis in 2009. Prior to joining JPA, Shane worked in accounting for various industries automotive, nursing homes, and rolling shutters for 10 years. At JPA, Shane is responsible for all accounts payable and Medicaid billing.
Shane is “All in for Kids” because: “I believe in helping kids grow up with a well-rounded scope. The services JPA offers allow kids to open their emotional side through therapy. It will help them to better cope with life as they grow up to be adults.”

School Based Therapist

Ellie joined JPA in July of 2021. She received a master’s in social work from Erikson Institute in 2021 and completed an internship with JPA during her master’s program. Prior to joining JPA, Ellie worked as a literacy tutor with AmeriCorps, a paraprofessional in elementary schools, and was on staff at a Salvation Army emergency shelter, providing care, support, and stability to children & adults experiencing homelessness.
Ellie’s duties include providing individual, child-centered, relationship-based therapy to students in Pre-k through 8th grade, small group therapy focused on building social-emotional competency, and consultation and collaboration with teachers and caregivers. In her free time, Ellie enjoys spending time outside, reading, trying new restaurants, attending concerts, visiting family in Minnesota.

Ellie is “All in for Kids” because: “I believes in the capacity of children to heal through the experience of safe, trustworthy relationships with compassionate, attuned adults.”

Permanency Planning Evaluation Coordinator

Amy joined JPA in January 2020. Amy graduated with a master’s in social work from Rutgers University. Prior to joining JPA, Amy worked in multiple child welfare and therapeutic settings providing direct care and assessment services to children and families who have experienced various forms of trauma.
At JPA, Amy is part of the Child Welfare. They conduct permanency assessments for children and families who are involved with DCFS, interview participants, conduct caregiver/child observations, complete extensive document reviews, and complete a lengthy report that summarizes our findings and our recommendations for the families.
Amy is “All in for Kids” because: “To quote Frederick Douglass, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” We live in a complex world that places multiple demands on children and families, and it is critical that they be provided with resources to allow them to thrive.”

School & Clinic Research Manager

Mira Snider, PhD, has 10 years of experience in mental health services and implementation research. She is a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Illinois and has been a trainer and consultant in best mental health practices across school, community, and medical settings with an emphasis in supporting youth affected by trauma. Mira completed her BS in Psychology and Neuroscience at Indiana University. She went on to obtain her MS and PhD in clinical child psychology at West Virginia University. Her predoctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship were completed at Ann &  Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.

Throughout her training, Mira has led multiple program evaluations and research studies investigating the best methods to implement and sustain high quality mental health services in high need communities. Her work has been disseminated in peer reviewed academic journals and presented at national conferences.

As the School and Clinic Research Manager at JPA, Mira oversees the evaluation of JPA’s school-based therapy services, the Connect 2 Kids (C2K) consultation program for educators, and outpatient clinic services through New Light.

Mental Health Consultant

Jori joined JPA in August 2022. Jori graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in 1996 and a master’s degree n Social Work from Loyola University in 2000. Prior to joining JPA, Jori was a School Social Worker for 23 years in urban and suburban schools working with grades K-12 in general education, special education services, and students in self-contained programs.
In Jori’s role at JPA, she collaborates with teachers on responsive relational strategies for their students and maintains a space to process the teacher’s experiences through consultation, observation, and facilitation of SEL and psychoeducational classroom groups. In her free time, Jori enjoys playing tennis, reading, and word puzzles.
Jori is “All in for Kids” because: “I believe in JPA’s mission to improve the social and emotional well-being and functioning of vulnerable children so they can reach their fullest potential at home, in school, and in our communities because all children need adults to support them in their development and learning experiences.”

Mental Health Consultant

Abigail joined JPA in August 2022. Abby holds a B.A. in Anthropology and Gender Studies from Kalamazoo College (2016), and a MSW from the University of Illinois at Chicago (2019). Prior to joining JPA, Abby worked as a CPS Social Worker in elementary schools in the Ukranian Village and neighborhoods.
At JPA, Abby works with elementary school teachers to facilitate a space to process the teacher’s experiences through consultation, classroom observations, and facilitation of social-emotional learning and psychoeducational classroom groups. In her free time, Abby enjoys working in her vegetable garden, traveling, kayaking, and sharing delicious meals with loved ones.
Abby is “All in for Kids” because: “ I believe” that no matter what zip code or background a child is from, all young people deserve caring and respectful relationships in their school environments as well as access to therapeutic support that prioritizes their self-determination, and dignity.”

Mental Health Consultant & New Light Therapist

Amanda joined JPA in 2022 as an intern and took her current position in January 2023. Amanda graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education and social policy from Northwestern University in 2006; a master’s degree in Secondary Mathematics Education from City College of New York CUNY, in 2009 and a Master of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago in 2022. Prior to joining JPA, Amanda was a High School Mathematics teacher for 15 years.
At JPA, Amanda provides mental consultation to teachers and classrooms at JPA partner schools and provides therapy sessions through JPA’s New Light clinic. In her free time, Amanda enjoys reading, traveling, and going to restaurants, museums, and concerts.
Amanda is “All in for Kids” because: “I believe that all children deserve access to opportunities to learn, grow and develop their dreams. As a former teacher, I have witnessed so many barriers to children’s learning. It is so important for students to feel safe and have their social emotional needs met before they can move on to learning academic content. Addressing the harm of poverty, violence, and racism is crucial to make an impact for all children to create and achieve their goals and dreams.”

Development Coordinator

Nicole joined JPA in January 2024. Nicole graduated with a bachelor’s degree in special education from Northern Illinois University and an English as a Second Language Endorsement from National Louis University.
Before joining JPA, Nicole was a Special Education teacher in Elmwood Park. Passionate about creating inclusive environments for diverse student populations, Nicole made a significant impact by developing various programs that enhanced the social-emotional well-being of the entire school community. Nicole also brings experience in event management from her time at PARennial Golf, where she coordinated opportunities for community engagement and networking.
At JPA, she is focused on achieving fundraising goals through volunteer coordination, donor cultivation and stewardship, and the re-establishment of JPA’s volunteer engagement program, WeROCK.
Nicole is “All in for Kids” because: “With a lifelong dedication to mental health advocacy, I’ve witnessed firsthand the essential need for resources among children. I wholeheartedly believe in JPA’s mission and am thrilled to contribute to positive change across the Chicagoland area.”